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Management of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the musicians in the PBT orchestra have reached an agreement that restores live music for part of the 2006-07 season.  A memorandum of agreement was signed yesterday by PBT and the Pittsburgh Musicians’ Union, Local 60-471 that details:

	The restoration of live music for at least part of the 2006-07 season with PBT agreeing to use the live orchestra for two of five upcoming programs. The new season, including the ballets to be performed to live music, will be announced in  February.
	Orchestra members will donate their services at a Gala Opening Night Performance of PBT’s “Coppelia” on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30pm at the Benedum Center.  The orchestra will also donate its services for a pre-opening rehearsal of the production.
	The musicians agreed to withdraw an unfair labor practice claim.

During the season, the musicians and PBT will negotiate toward a new contract that assures the presence of live music for the future.

“We are glad to be returning to the pit and performing with our artist colleagues of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre,” said Cynthia Anderson, spokesperson for the orchestra,” said Cynthia Anderson, co-chair of the Orchestra Committee. “This relationship provides an opportunity for PBT to further its attempts to fully restore live music,” stated Harris N. Ferris, PBT Executive Director.

Watch this site for information on the upcoming opening night gala performance of “Coppelia” with live orchestra.

To all those who expressed support for the orchestra:

Please continue to support live music in the ballet. In order for this company to survive and thrive, the community needs to show its support by attending performances, purchasing subscriptions, and donating to the company. Pittsburgh deserves a world-class ballet company, and the PBT audience deserves live music. Strong community support can help restore the live orchestra to more productions in the upcoming season.